Kirk here with a translation of news about recent tremors.
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A series of earthquakes continuing in southern Kumamoto Prefecture is believed to be a “swarm,” possibly indirectly linked to the Hinagu Fault Zone, experts say, urging residents to prepare for further shaking.
Seismic activity has intensified over the past several days. At around 4:44 a.m. on March 18, an earthquake measuring intensity 3 was recorded in Minamata City and Tsunagi Town.
Since March 15, the area has experienced one intensity 4 quake, one intensity 3, four intensity 2, and seventeen intensity 1 tremors.
Professor Shinji Tōno of Tohoku University, who studies earthquakes including the 2016 Kumamoto quake, says the pattern points to a swarm rather than aftershocks.
“At first, it seemed like aftershocks from the March 15 quake,” he said. “But the continued occurrence of many small earthquakes in the same location over several days suggests a swarm.”
The region lies near the Hinagu Fault Zone, which the government classifies as “S-rank,” indicating a high likelihood of a major earthquake within 30 years.
However, Professor Tōno says the current activity is probably not occurring directly along the main fault.
“While it may not be on the Hinagu Fault itself, the area contains many smaller faults, so there could be an indirect connection,” he said.
He warns that moderate earthquakes can occur during swarm activity and is calling on residents to remain prepared.
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